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Member participation is vital to the success of the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation. Lawyers can and do make a difference by participating in one of the many volunteer opportunities available. Time commitments vary with each activity or committee depending upon its function and meeting schedule. Committee assignments are three-year terms. In the selection process, consideration is given to geographic representation, areas of practice, and other committee assignments of ISB/ILF involvement. Both ISB/ILF Committees are selected by their respective Boards in July of each year.
Idaho State Bar Committees
| Committee | Description | Chairperson(s) | Staff Liaison(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate Editorial Advisory Board | Determines the theme, selects and recruits authors for lead articles, and reviews the contents of each issue of The Advocate. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month; subcommittees meet as required; 10-12 members. | Kenneth C. Shumard | Lindsey Welfley |
| Bar Exam Preparation | Reviews questions and analyses for each bar exam and provides feedback to the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Meets twice per year; 3 members. | Bruce J. Castleton | Maureen Braley |
| Character and Fitness | Reviews character or fitness issues of applicants for admission. Makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners whether applicants should be admitted, denied or conditionally admitted to the Bar. Meets 5-6 times per year; 7 members (2 non-lawyers). | Matthew K. Wilde | Maureen Braley Joe Pirtle |
| Client Assistance Fund | Reviews claims against Client Assistance Fund for a loss of client funds due to dishonest conduct of lawyer. Makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners whether claims should be paid. Meets as required; 5 members (2 non-lawyers). | Bron M. Rammell | Julia Crossland Deanna Tollefson |
| Fee Arbitration Panels | Reviews matters submitted to fee arbitration by clients disputing fees charged by their lawyer. Panels in various districts formed as needed. If dispute is for $2,500 or less, it is assigned to a one lawyer panel; if dispute is for more than $2,500, it is assigned to a three-member panel including one nonlawyer. | No Chairperson | Layce Silvey |
| Idaho Academy of Leadership for Lawyers | Promotes diversity and inspires the development of leadership within the legal profession. Meets regularly throughout the year; 5 members (1 of which must be a past IALL participant). | Brenda M. Bauges Taylor Mossman-Fletcher | Teresa Baker |
| Lawyer Assistance Program | 100% confidential program helps and supports lawyers who are experiencing problems associated with addictive behaviors such as, but not limited to: alcohol, drug use, gambling, mental health issues and/or depression. The program also focuses on educating legal professionals - as well as their family and friends - about alcohol, drug dependency, depression and other mental health problems. Meets quarterly; up to 25 members. | Jamie C. Shropshire | Teresa Baker |
| Professional Conduct Board | Exercises general control over attorney discipline. Acts as an "intermediate appellate court." Receives briefs and makes recommendations for disposition to the Idaho Supreme Court. Meets as needed; 3 members (1 non-lawyer). | James L. Martin | Karen Carlisle |
| Reasonable Accommodations | Reviews accommodations requests of applicants for the bar exam. Makes recommendations for reasonable accommodations to the Board of Commissioners. Meets 2-3 times per year; 3 members (1 non-lawyer). | Melissa Luna | Maureen Braley Joe Pirtle |
| Unauthorized Practice of Law | Receives and reviews complaints about the unauthorized practice of law and makes recommendations for disposition. Meets as needed; 3 members. | No Chairperson | Joe Pirtle Al Gill |